Hamas rejects Russia's plea to recognise Israel

MOSCOW - Islamist militant group Hamas rejected Russian appeals for it to recognise Israel or disband its armed wing, senior leaders of the group said.

The Moscow visit is the first to a major foreign power by leaders of Hamas, who are forming a Palestinian Government in the wake of a landslide win in parliamentary elections in January.

Hamas is hoping to gain a measure of international standing from the three days of talks, opposed by Israel and the United States.

Hamas deputy political leader Moussa Abu Marzouk said that recognising Israel would negate all Palestinian rights.

"Therefore the recognition of Israel is not on the agenda," he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a Hamas delegation it must recognise Israel's right to exist and abide by interim peace deals, echoing demands made by the US, the European Union and United Nations.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said yesterday that he had rejected a bid from Lavrov for Hamas to disband its armed wing and integrate the gunmen into the general Palestinian police force.

- REUTERS